In what is becoming habitual, another Staal is on is way to becoming a high first-round NHL pick.

As expected, centre Jordan Staal of the Peterborough Petes is ranked No. 1 in the Ontario Hockey League by NHL Central Scouting in its preliminary rankings for the 2006 entry draft, which will be held in Vancouver.

Eric Staal, now starring for Carolina, went second overall to the Hurricanes in 2003.

This past summer, Marc Staal, a defenceman with the Sudbury Wolves, was taken 12th overall by the New York Rangers.

Following Jordan Staal in the top five, in order, are centre Bryan Little of the Barrie Colts; defenceman Bob Sanguinetti of the Owen Sound Attack; and a pair of Kingston Frontenacs -- right winger Chris Stewart and centre Cory Emmerton.

Brampton Battalion defenceman John de Gray is sixth, while another prospect with solid bloodlines, left winger Nick Foligno of the Wolves, is eighth.

Foligno's dad is former Maple Leafs winger Mike Foligno.

The top-ranked OHL goalie is Ryan Daniels of the Saginaw Spirit.

Phil Kessel of the University of Minnesota, the odds-on choice to be the first pick overall, is ranked first among NCAA players.

Michael Frolik of the Czech Republic, ranked No. 1 in his country, should be the top European in the draft.